Submitted By Amy Hranicky

St. Philip's Episcopal Church, 12 Hodge Street in Wiscasset, invites the community to join in our annual candlelight celebration of Advent Lessons and Carols, 7 p.m., Sunday evening, December 16.

The Old and New Testament readings lead through the preparations of Advent to the joy of Christmas, interspersed with songs of Jesus' Coming, including two presentations by the St. Philip's choir: the rhythmic "There's a Light a 'Comin'" by David Lantz and poetic "'Twas in the Moon of Wintertime" by William Bradley Roberts.

At 4 p.m. on Monday, December 24, St. Philip's hosts a special children's Nativity service, filled with Biblical readings and song. Children, including young guests, proceed to the Nativity, taking with them drawings of those they want to come with them to meet Jesus. During the service, the children will make their drawings.

St. Philip's welcomes families and visitors to join in this child-focused liturgy on the eve of Christ's birth. Then at 10:30 p.m. the candlelight Christmas liturgy "Midnight Mass" witnesses the passage from Advent to Christ's coming.

Especially as we come into this time of peace, of community, of recognizing the wonder's of God universe and living creatures, we want to sing joyfully, to listen to the words of the prophets and of Jesus, to rededicate ourselves to serving, to ministering, to caring for all the earth. Come, celebrate with us at St. Philip's in Wiscasset.